lieut megan mervar/coast guard make sure you've got radios vhf radios. even if you're operating a small craft, there are handheld vhf radios. that can be a matter of life and death. if you're able to give the coast guard on channel 16 you've got a radio. file a float plan, make sure someone knows where you're going and when to expect you back. that also can be the difference between life and death if someone knows that you're supposed be back at a certain time and you don't show up. they can give the coast guard a call.last year the coast guard saved 4 people celebrating the 4th of july in bay area waters.(hermela aregawi)as far as those vhf radiots.. i was told you can get them from a boating equipment store or some outdoor equipment store like r.e.i.reporting in alameda, hermela aregawi, kron 4 news. ( will ) to help keep every one stay safe while out on the water, american river officials have banned alcohol for the second week in a row.. rangers say one reason for the ban is that when people are out on the water, they are not drinking enough water. t